Cheating in nursing school

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Hi there,

So, there's been cheating in my program. I am not quite sure what to do about it so here I am turning to you guys for help. There are students who have to take their tests at different times from the normal class due to special needs. We take our exams first and then they have to take their tests a lot later. The issue is that these people are asking other students for questions and answers that were on the tests. Since we take our exams first they have an advantage and are getting better grades then those of us who have tried really hard to get to where we are. I find this to be really unfair. I feel it's the students fault as well as the faculty just to let them know that maybe everyone should be taking their tests at the same to reduce the chances of someone cheating? How do I go about this anonymously? Using school computer with a new email possibly? Thank you

Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

As mentioned earlier, many schools recognize cheating. The fact that nothing is done is sad, but while the student is in school, the school is getting money. This is not just limited to nursing. Cheating goes on in many "professional" programs. The saving grace is students who really do cheat are weeded out with the board exams...they haven't really "learned" anything. As previous posters have noted, don't paint a target on your back with your fellow student. Keep you nose to the grind stone and continue striving to learn and "do it right".

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Unless you have 100% concrete proof of cheating, it is just hearsay. Anonymous or not you will put a target on your back. Cheating sucks but if the students are cheating it will catch up to them when they are taking the NCLEX for the upteenth time.

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Specializes in ICU, Military.
Unless you have 100% concrete proof of cheating, it is just hearsay. Anonymous or not you will put a target on your back. Cheating sucks but if the students are cheating it will catch up to them when they are taking the NCLEX for the upteenth time.

Agreed. Unless you have concrete evidence, focus on your own studies. I highly doubt they are getting any benefit from outscoring you on exams (if they are then that is a serious issue that needs addressing). Just learn as much as you can, be well prepared to pass everything and you will knock the NCLEX out of the park whereas they will be left struggling.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Stay out of people's business. They still have to take the NCLEX (and HESI if the school does it) which has different questions.

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You should say something to someone. The problem is with people here who are telling you that it is none of your business. That is the problem with society today: Apathy. Stop being apathetic, people. By remaining apathetic and silent, you are condoning unethical behavior.

I am assuming from what you are saying that you do know of specific situations. Say something then, and yes, say their names. I understand your hesitancy but they shouldn't have cheated in the first place.

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Specializes in PICU.
You should say something to someone. The problem is with people here who are telling you that it is none of your business. That is the problem with society today: Apathy. Stop being apathetic, people. By remaining apathetic and silent, you are condoning unethical behavior.

I am assuming from what you are saying that you do know of specific situations. Say something then, and yes, say their names. I understand your hesitancy but they shouldn't have cheated in the first place.

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db2xs:

I think the issue more lies in the fact that does she have factual knowledge regarding cheating or just gossip/ conversation. Meaning, has someone approached her and asked her for exam information. If someone has, the first step would be to alert the perpetrator that this could be interpreted as cheating. If it is just gossip, unless there is real knowledge, then the person asking for information and the person giving information are both at fault.

Furthermore, the OP does not know if the exams are exactly the same or different.

Telling someone that the exam covered our recent material is not cheating.

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It's annoying, especially if they are getting better grades that those putting in the effort to study. However, come test time, and especially the NCLEX, the truth will prevail.

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Hello, I believe your professors know what is going on. Just continue your integrity for critical thinking in nursing is not something you can cheat at. HESI/ATI and for that matter NCLEX are the things that we can focus on. Tests get harder each semester because it is a building process. They will either crumble or continue to work hard.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
You should say something to someone. The problem is with people here who are telling you that it is none of your business. That is the problem with society today: Apathy. Stop being apathetic, people. By remaining apathetic and silent, you are condoning unethical behavior.

I am assuming from what you are saying that you do know of specific situations. Say something then, and yes, say their names. I understand your hesitancy but they shouldn't have cheated in the first place.

What proof is there that the OP has given us that it isn't more than just gossip? Even if someone came to her & asked for the test questions/answers all that is, is he said/she said. The OP could go to an instructor but with no tangible proof it would make the OP look bad. Do you really think the people cheating (if they are) would admit it to the instructor?

If the OP has real proof, then yes she should tell her instructors.

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I would not say anything. If someone is cheating in nursing school, they will most likely not be able to pass the NCLEX. So it catches up to them eventually.

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As one of "these students" you're referring to who also seems to be having similar issues within my nursing program, I would suggest that you stay in your lane. I learned as a child the only person I'm the boss of is myself. Even if they are cheating... who cares? The NLCEX will be a reality check.

I will never understand how my classmates think my accommodations are convenient and it's so frustrating! These so called "benefits" guarantee that you will have no peers as friends so get used to studying alone, sitting alone and when someone does talk to you, it's out of pity or necessity. Sometimes, I take tests before everyone, 1 or 2 days or hours before which means I'm getting less review time and/or missing pertinent info reviewed before the test. If there is an error on the test or a question that doesn't make sense, tough luck. Asking for clarification from the test proctor, with no nursing experience, is equivalent to asking a Magic 8 ball. Getting locked in a room for 3 hours (NCLEX can be up to 9 hours) unable to go to the bathroom, get a drink, etc.

Want to trade places and I'll be the testing police?

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Specializes in PICU.

OP are any of these people your friends that you were friends with before nursing school? It could be that these people with accommodations are not making things easier for them and that they have figured out how to study? Focus on yourself and study by yourself. Focus on graduating and learning all you can. Nursing school can be miserable at times and very lonely at times. Everyone is in it to graduate and not concerned about other students.

What do you think? You are now in your second semester. Try and focus on learning the materials. If there is actual cheating going on, the instructors will know.

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